Ex-Ohio State defender recognized a star talent the Buckeyes just couldn’t pass up in the transfer portal before he even entered
Ohio State was not aggressive in the transfer portal this go around following their National Championship in January but were still able to fill some key spots. The Buckeyes added RB CJ Donaldson, TE Max Klare, OT Phillip Daniels, DE Logan George, OT Ethan Onianwa, and LB Ty Howard. Adding two tackles is the move […]
Ohio State was not aggressive in the transfer portal this go around following their National Championship in January but were still able to fill some key spots.
The Buckeyes added RB CJ Donaldson, TE Max Klare, OT Phillip Daniels, DE Logan George, OT Ethan Onianwa, and LB Ty Howard. Adding two tackles is the move that just had to happen for Ohio State.
However, Ohio State’s best move was likely adding the star tight end, Klare. Klare was a standout at Purdue the last couple of years and the Buckeyes were able to get him from the portal rather quickly. Interestingly enough, one Buckeye recognized it as a move they should make before he even entered.
“It’s funny. I actually went to Coach Kee [Keenan Bailey] after we played Purdue and was like, ‘Man if he enters the portal, he's a guy we should get’,” S Lathan Ransom said on Thursday at the NFL Scouting Combine. “He is one of the best tight ends that stood out on tape immediately every time we studied for them and prepared for them, so I'm excited about how we're going to use him next year.”
Klare had a breakout season with Purdue in 2024 tallying 685 receiving yards and four touchdowns. The talented tight end played in just two games as a freshman, then had 196 receiving yards in five games as a sophomore. Against Ohio State last season, Klare only had two catches for 13 yards. But he was able to put up games of 133, 91, and 83 in yardage as a redshirt sophomore.
“I feel that Purdue tight end, Max Klare, is going to be a baller and is probably one of the best tight ends who we played,” Ransom stated. “I think he's going to be the best tight end coming into the college football season next year.”
Ohio State replaces Gee Scott Jr. with Klare, who will give them a more dynamic pass catcher at the tight end position. The Purdue transfer was able to practice with Ohio State during their bowl preparation and was a great piece to help prepare the team.
Though the Buckeyes didn’t go out and add a Caleb Downs or Quinshon Judkins in the portal, they did land some strong talent. Expect Klare to have a strong season in 2025 and be a big target for the new starting QB likely Julian Sayin.
Ohio State Buckeyes defender uses strong choice of words on how one coach in Columbus has him ready to succeed in the NFL
Sounds like a guy who is ready.
